A Global Look at Justice: Students Compare Correctional Systems in Texas and Finland

A Global Look at Justice: Students Compare Correctional Systems in Texas and Finland

This summer, nine students from the Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) embarked on an immersive three-week study abroad program led by criminal justice professor John Navarro. The experience began in Texas, where students spent a week exploring the state's correctional system before traveling to Finland, where they visited prison museums, universities, government institutions and historic landmarks.

“I actually didn’t know that SHSU offered a criminal justice study-abroad program like this,” said student Ash Du Fief. “Navarro came to one of my classes to talk about it. He just made it sound really cool and exciting and I thought it seemed like something I’d want to do - so I applied.”

Before continuing their journey across the globe, students observed the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) Huntsville, Wynne, Estelle and Byrd Units, engaging with staff and gaining an inside look at how the facilities operate. To reflect on the history of corrections in Texas, they also visited the Texas Prison Museum.

“The agency was honored to welcome these students into our facilities as they prepared for their study abroad experience,” said Rachelle White, TDCJ chief of staff. “Their field study provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen understanding of the criminal justice system and encourage informed perspectives among aspiring criminal justice professionals.”

The group closed the week with a better understanding of how TDCJ is incorporating innovative programs, prioritizing education and emphasizing the development of life skills to prepare residents for reentry.

“One of the things that I never considered before our visit is how involved incarcerated individuals are with the ‘free world’ behind the scenes,” said student Emory Martinez. “With rebuilding computer monitors for underfunded school districts, processing clothing and creating license plates, I don’t think a lot of people are aware of all the things residents have a part in.”

Arriving in Finland, the travelers stayed at Hotel Katajanokka in Helsinki and Hotel Kakola in Turku, both former correctional facilities, while venturing into the neighboring areas. During their time abroad, they met with wardens, professors, docents, forensic psychologists and judges, gathering historical insights on Finland’s criminal justice system and how it became what it is today.

“Educational programs, vocational opportunities and work assignments are all available to incarcerated individuals,” said student Alyssa Chasteen. “Seeing those programs firsthand helped me realize that rehabilitation exists in both Texas and Finland, even if each system approaches it differently.”

For Navarro, who planned the itinerary entirely on his own, it was rewarding to see his students grow both professionally and personally as they navigated through the program.

“They took their responsibility seriously as ambassadors of the university and consistently represented the institution in a positive light. They arrived prepared, asking thoughtful questions to our program hosts and state and foreign officials and held their own in conversations with these professionals,” he said. “I was impressed by how quickly they adapted and became confident, capable travelers.”

Throughout their adventure, students documented their experiences in blog posts, covering weekly highlights and how their perspectives evolved. Notable takeaways were the presence of saunas at Finnish correctional centers, cultural differences and the role of independent court-appointed experts known as media judges.

“As I continue my education and eventually begin my career in criminal justice, I’ll think back on everything I learned throughout this course,” Chasteen said. “This was a great reminder that some of the best learning happens outside of a classroom.”